Nagataya Celebrates 113 Years of Compassionate Funeral Care, Winning Special Prize in Japan's Cherished Companies Award

Celebrating 113 Years of Compassion at Nagataya

Nagataya, established in 1913, has been serving the community of Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, with its motto of providing "hospitality like a second family." In recognition of its unwavering commitment to compassionate services, Nagataya was honored with the Special Prize at the 16th 'Cherished Companies in Japan' awards, organized by the Society for Management that Values People.

About the Cherished Companies Award

The 'Cherished Companies in Japan' award acknowledges businesses that enhance the well-being of their stakeholders: employees, families, customers, and the broader community. The award not only assesses financial performance but also emphasizes sustainable management practices that avoid layoffs and legal violations over a minimum period of five years. This makes it a significant recognition for companies that prioritize human-centric management.

Addressing Societal Challenges

As Japan faces issues related to an aging population and increasing single-person households, social isolation and a lack of community connection have emerged as pressing concerns. The role of funeral companies is shifting from merely providing a space for farewelling lives to becoming integral parts of community welfare.

Nagataya has steadily nurtured interpersonal connections since its inception, adhering to the philosophy of "hospitality like a second family." This approach aligns with their commitment to supporting local communities and addressing modern societal challenges.

Innovative Initiatives

In its pursuit of becoming a model for the funeral industry, Nagataya undertook two notable initiatives that greatly contributed to its recent accolade:

1. Creating a Support System to Combat Loneliness
Nagataya transcends traditional funeral services, actively engaging in solutions for local societal issues. Through collaborations with local governments and welfare organizations, they have established support systems for the identification of unaccompanied seniors, provide life assistance to elderly individuals living alone, and offer vocational experiences for middle school students and those facing employment challenges. These efforts aim to cultivate a society where no one experiences isolation.

2. Uncompromising 'Philosophy-Based' Employee Development
With the mission of embodying the 'second family' philosophy, Nagataya has developed a comprehensive employee training and development system. This includes management workshops, a Freshers Academy, tiered training, and philosophy immersion meetings, fostering a culture that enriches employee satisfaction and deepens the dedication to customer service and hospitality.

Values at the Core

At the heart of Nagataya’s operations lies the 'three-way satisfaction' philosophy:

- Delivering exceptional experiences that exceed customer expectations, ensuring Customer Satisfaction.
- Creating a work environment where employees feel pride and fulfillment, leading to Employee Satisfaction.
- Contributing positively to the community's future, enhancing Community Contributions.

The company believes in sharing happiness among everyone involved rather than having one party emerge victorious, reflecting a modern interpretation of the three-way satisfaction.

This belief underscores that the funeral profession is the ultimate service industry where individuals support each other. A foundation of care and security for employees and their families is essential, as confident employees provide heartfelt services that resonate with the community.

Message from the CEO, Daisuke Tanaka

Tanaka expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of employees who engage sincerely with customers, and the support from partner organizations and the community. He reassured that Nagataya will continue to strive beyond traditional funeral services to foster a community where no one feels alone. Looking ahead to the next century, he is committed to cultivating the warmest corporate culture in Japan, where every employee can feel proud to work.

Join Nagataya

Nagataya is actively seeking new talent who shares their vision of compassionate service. Interested candidates can explore various opportunities on their recruitment pages for new graduates and experienced professionals.

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